WHY?

Meet people with diverse backgrounds who share a love of rowing and who enjoy being on the water!

Rowing provides a safe, fun, and affordable source of exercise!

Undeniably good for the heart, soul, and body, period.

HOW IT WORKS

You may row with Whaling City Rowing two times free of charge.

Contact Liz at whalingcityrowing@gmail.com and let her know the best days and times for you to join us. OPEN ROWS are scheduled at various hours and days during the week. Click on the "open row" link to see which open row works best for you. Typically, rows last for about an hour. She will place you among experienced rowers in an OPEN ROWwhere you will get the basics and start rowing in no time. Please print and fill out this liability waiver and bring it with you to the open row.

Our whaleboats are crewed with five rowers and one boatsteerer. So, there are only a certain amount of seats available. That being said, if a crew member doesn't show up unexpectedly, sometimes there aren't enough rowers to go out, and the row gets cancelled. Please contact us as soon as possible if you cannot make it.

All boats are fully equipped with safety gear and life jackets for all rowers.

WHAT TO WEAR and/or bring

Wear sneakers or non-skid footwear.

Bring a water bottle.

A pair of gloves that grip well if you have them.

For general clothing, it depends. For warm weather rows; shorts, t-shirt, sunglasses and/or a hat with a visor. Depending on the air temperature, a light windbreaker or long sleeved jersey is good too. Be sure to apply sun block before boarding.

For cold weather rows; dress in layers so that you can peel some off as you warm up. A parka or windbreaker with a hat and gloves are advised.

LOCATION

Whaling City Rowing is located at Pope's Island Marina, just over the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. From New Bedford, take your first right after the bridge to the main entrance of Pope's Island Marina. From Fairhaven, cross over the first bridge (Acushnet River) and take your first left. (It's across from True Value Hardware). Access to the marina itself is gated, so someone from WCR will be waiting for you at the entrance. To read more about Pope's Island Marina, visit The Port of New Bedford.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Check out ROWING BASICS for an overview of techniques and terms you should be familiar with.

Whaling City Rowing is committed to everyone's safety on the water, including rowers and other boaters alike.

We strive to preserve the marine environment.

Smoking is not permitted in the boats.

No alcoholic beverages are allowed onboard. Rowers are advised not to consume alcohol before rowing.

Join US

Had a great time rowing with us on your two free rows, and looking forward to becoming a member? Click JOIN US to become a member.